Iceland (Skíðadalur Valley)

Overview

Get ready for an unmatched heli skiing experience on Iceland's Troll Peninsula, combining helicopters with expert guiding to access the country's most exclusive terrain. With over 6,000 km² of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, the area offers summit-to-sea runs, vertical descents up to 1,500m, and terrain suited to every skier's ability.

The operation is family-owned and based out of Klængshóll Lodge, situated at the edge of the mountains, with helicopters departing minutes from the lodge. Guests benefit from experienced guides, small-group setups, and a focus on safety and service.

The season runs from mid-February to the end of June, with powder snow early in the season and excellent corn skiing later. Skiing down to the ocean, chasing first descents, and exploring Iceland's dramatic landscapes—volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, and fjords—combine for a true Arctic adventure.

Programs Offered

• Iceland Classic Program
• Iceland Premium Program
• Iceland Private Program
• Iceland Ultimate Private

Location

Located in the Skíðadalur Valley in northern Iceland.

Mountain Range

Troll Peninsula, North Iceland

Ability

It depends on a few things such as your group and program, but every skier needs to be a fit intermediate skier and be able to ski under control in off-piste terrain. Previous heli ski experience is NOT required.

Keep in mind that heli skiing does require a certain basic level of physical fitness to minimize risk and be enjoyable. We recommend that you have the basic core strength to ski in a variety of conditions. The best training you can do for skiing is skiing. It is best not to go into any extended trip without finding the time to get in a few days of skiing in advance to make sure that your feet are conditioned to your boots. We recommend that you are able to do the following:

• Ski fall line in most snow conditions (powder to wind affected snow).
• Make parallel or stem-christie turns on 35° groomed or firm snow.
• Side-slip on firm slopes up to 35°.
• Ski black diamond runs at ski areas efficiently and in most snow conditions.

*If you are concerned about being joined with other skiers of different abilities then we recommend joining a Private program.

The Terrain

The potential for world class down hill skiing here is mind blowing, with vertical descents of up to 1500m or almost 5000ft. Our vast terrain covers more than 6000 square kilometers, or 1500 square miles of breathtaking Arctic mountains with terrain that suits every skiers ability be it extreme couloirs or wide open glaciers.

Our position just below the Arctic Circle with the mountains rising straight out of the sea allows for a skiing experience of a lifetime, skiing from summit to sea shore.

About the Lodges

KLÆNGSHÓLL LODGE

Klængshóll Lodge in Skíðadalur is the base for your Arctic Heli Skiing. The lodge can accommodate 16 guests. There are 4 cabins on the property that are made up of 2 apartments each, so a total of 8 apartments. Each apartment has a queen size bed in an upstairs loft and a full bed downstairs with an ensuite bathroom. The apartments comfortably sleep 2 adults either sharing a queen bed in the loft or one guest upstairs and one downstairs. The original farmhouse on the property is where meals are served. The "barn" is where guests equipment is kept and includes a bar, a pool table, dartboard and general area where aprés ski snacks are served and guests can gather after a great day of skiing. Next to the barn is the AHS gift shop and guides meeting room.

SINGLE ROOM OPTIONS:

Our Klængshóll packages are based on double occupancy in our cabins (pictured on the left). In addition there are 2 single rooms with a shared bathroom in the main house and 1 master suite with ensuite bathroom (pictured on the right). These single rooms can be used to accommodate single guests when a single cabin is not available.

Single Cabin supplement fee (based on availability): €300-€350/night

HOTEL HJALTEYRI

During the ski season Arctic Heli Skiing partners with the boutique Hotel Hjalteyri (located between Akureyri and Dalvík) for our Ultimate Private program. There is a hot tub and sauna and all rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Hjalteyri can also be used for the Private and Premium programs when Klængshóll is at full capacity.

KARLSÁ LODGE

Depending on group size and availability Karlsá lodge is used for our exclusive heli programs as well as ski touring programs. It has 7 bedrooms and 4 separate bathrooms as well as 4 showers. There is an outdoor sauna and hot tub as well as a heli pad.

Typical Day

The plan below is just an example.

The start time and plan for each day during your program depends on conditions and the desires of the group. A large breakfast is normally served at around 08:00 – 8:30 after which there is plenty of time to prepare personal gear before flying. A packed lunch is included as we pride ourselves on finding the perfect lunch spot while we are out.

DAY 1

Arrive in Akureyri in the early evening. 50 min transfer to Klængshóll Lodge for a meet and greet, guest briefing and dinner. On the first evening you will have the chance to talk with your guide, make sure all your gear is in order and relax after your travels.

DAY 2

We start this day reviewing avalanche and helicopter protocol. After the group is briefed on these important safety issues we are ready for a day of adventure.

DAY 3 & 4

Our guides set the pace and rhythm of the program so that everyone enjoys it to the fullest. After each day of skiing we will relax and enjoy Klængshóll Lodge lounging in the hot tub, relaxing in the Sauna or having a great massage, followed by one delicious meal after another feasting on local dishes focusing on organic lamb, fish and game prepared by our gourmet chef.

DAY 5 (or 7)

This is the last day of skiing and the change day of our group so we kindly ask our guests to prepare their luggage in the morning (or the evening before). The luggage is placed in our heli barn allowing our staff the time needed to prepare the cabins for the next group arriving in the afternoon. After a good breakfast and sorting luggage we hop in the heli and head out for our last day of skiing. We will enjoy more great turns and good times followed by lunch in the field, then we head home for one last sauna or hot tub session and to collect our luggage. We then transfer the group to Akureyri where we say our goodbyes and guests make their way home or continue on to another adventure.

*In case of bad weather and no flying we have the opportunity to participate in activities including horseback riding, whale watching, sea angling, ski touring, or visiting areas in north Iceland including the historic village of Siglufjörður or Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve. We can also relax in one of many geothermal baths on the Troll Peninsula.

Non Skiers

It depends on a few things such as your group and program, but every skier needs to be a fit intermediate skier and be able to ski under control in off-piste terrain. Keep in mind that heli skiing does require a certain basic level of physical fitness to minimize risk and be enjoyable. Previous heli ski experience is NOT required.

Weather

The weather in Iceland can change very quickly, so it is good to be prepared for everything. Our position in the middle of the Atlantic means that bad weather typically does not last for long, with fast-moving low-pressure areas striking and then leaving as fast as they arrived.

Temperatures in April and May are mild, usually around -10 to 0 degrees Celsius up in the mountains but can rise up to 10 degrees on a good day and drop to minus 10 on a cold day. We recommend layers as it can be windy and cool at ridgetops and then warm at the valley bottom.

Looking For More Information?

Enquire today and speak to a Heli-Ski Expert to find out how this trip can fit inside your wider holiday plans.